Federal judge blocks Trump citizenship order again despite Supreme Court injunction ruling

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Full Story

A federal judge in New Hampshire has again blocked enforcement of President Donald Trump’s order restricting birthright citizenship. The ruling came despite a recent Supreme Court decision limiting nationwide injunctions by lower courts.

U.S. District Judge Joseph LaPlante granted the injunction after hearing arguments from immigrant rights advocates. The plaintiffs requested class action status for all newborns who could lose citizenship under the policy.

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The Context

The judge’s decision directly counters a legal trend set by the Supreme Court to limit judges’ use of broad injunctions. However, the court found sufficient justification in the scope and potential impact of the executive order.

The executive order aims to redefine who qualifies for U.S. citizenship by birth, focusing on parental citizenship status. This would mark a stark departure from interpretations of the 14th Amendment upheld since the 19th century.

Supporters of the executive order argue that birthright citizenship encourages undocumented immigration and misinterprets the Constitution. Opponents claim the order is unconstitutional and would create unnecessary legal chaos for families.

Judge LaPlante ruled from Concord, New Hampshire, following an emergency request by advocacy groups. He emphasized the policy’s immediate implications for families expecting U.S.-born children.

The class action element expands the lawsuit to include any affected babies across the country. This broader scope allows for a nationwide legal challenge without relying on a traditional nationwide injunction.

The Biden-era Supreme Court has tried to rein in judicial powers on national policy disputes, but lower courts retain authority to certify broad classes in civil rights cases. This ruling could test those limits in the coming appeals.